Happy Birthday, Leovino “Leo” Austria ( Mar 14 )

Of the 1985 ten rookies undergoing their baptismals of fire in the current eleventh season of the PBA, diminutive Leovino Austria towers head and shoulders over his peers. And this is surprising. To think that prior to his turning pro, many critics, a former PABL coach included, swore Austria was not fit for the peso league. The way he pushes the leather and his rather uncommon manner of releasing the ball are negative factors, critics decried. But Leo Austria shrugged off all these comments and just played serious ball while in the amateur ranks. He, too, as well as hundreds of amateur caging standouts, had his sights zeroed in on the PBA. And nothing, not even the cruel skeptics, could prevent him from pursuing his dreams. Finally, Austria, along with nine other amateur cagers made the big leap to the pro ranks this year. This year's batch of PBA rookies is one of the best ever. This was an observation made by no less than Deputy Commissioner Tommy Manotoc. Eight of the ten rookies were former national cagers. Because of this,PBA observers believe that the race for Rookie of the Year honors will be that tight so unlike the ROY derby the past two years wherein Ricardo Brown and Willie Pearson won handily. However, this early, it seems that the 5-10 Leo Austria is making a breakaway for the citation, Austria, so it appears, looms like a sure winner in the ROY race. And why? Leo Austria's been getting the lion's share of time exposure in the Shellchem camp. And that's understandable. The imports are back. Naturally, only four locals see action at one time. Of the four locals, a point guard is a must, Leo Austria is a point guard. Over at Shellchem, he shares the position with Bernie Fabiosa. Actually, Austria was supposed to be Fabiosa's reliever. But it's turning out to be the other way around,
Definitely, Leo Austria is a PBA star on the rise. He is often referred to as the Magic Johnson of the PBA. But really. there's more than just magic to Leo than meets the eye. "I'm not really trying to imitate Magic Johnson. He is my idol but I have my own style," says Austria. And Leo, who is from Sariaya Quezon, polished his style with Masagana 99 in the amateur ranks. For five years, he was considered the heart and soul of the Ricegrowers. "I've learned a lot when I was with M-99. I've gained a lot of experience." Leo's only stint in the National team was during the 1982 Seventh Asian Youth Basketball Championship held in Manila. The team was coached by Ron Jacobs. "I learned scientific basketball from Ron Jacobs. I've learned good defense. He taught me how to call the shots right. You have to talk to your teammates inside the court. You have to assert your role as point guard." How does it feel playing point guard in a team with superstars? "It's hard, I'm a rookie. But I don't have to feel inferior to the established PBA stars. The team needs someone to direct operations. If a point guard signals a play, that should be given importance no matter how weak or strong that play is." There's no doubt about it. Leo's headed for the big time. The question is: Is he ready for it? "I should be. I'm already 25. Some players have joined the PBA at 21, I feel I only have a few years left. I have to make the most out of them."